The Weight of Welcome

Slowly walking in my room,

Wondering how I’ll find my way out

For the gates that once welcomed me

Have now been firmly shut.

Slowly walking in my room,

Wondering if I should cut the ties,

For the gates that once invited me

Were nothing but heavy lies.

Slowly walking in my room,

Feeling like I want to ruin his elegant face,

For the gates that once invited me

Spoke in filtered grace.

Slowly walking in my room,

Breaking the silence, breaking the curse,

For the gates that once invited me

Are etched in my memory, deep and fierce.

-Riya Belwal